Recent research has highlighted the positive effects of various strains of probiotics on the immune system. A study conducted by Korean researchers revealed that the daily intake of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of crucial immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that consuming yogurt enriched with two probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria L. plantarum, daily improved the function of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending against viral infections.
In more recent laboratory investigations, a new inactivated probiotic known as Staimune from Ganeden demonstrated immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of live probiotic cells. The results from this latest Swedish study could provide valuable support for marketing probiotic foods and beverages aimed at individuals at risk for or undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that colorectal cancer impacts approximately 1.4 million people globally each year, with its incidence on the rise.
Manufacturers are leveraging such studies to enhance their products and ingredients. The market for functional foods—those designed to offer specific health benefits alongside calories and nutrients—is rapidly expanding, potentially reaching an estimated worth of $15 billion. Companies are increasingly acquiring probiotic firms or incorporating beneficial bacteria into various products. For instance, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage maker KeVita last fall and introduced its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, marking a significant step in bringing probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, General Mills’ venture capital division spearheaded a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March for Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
In the United States, probiotics are classified as drugs, and for a product to claim it is “intended to prevent, treat, or cure a human disease or condition,” it must undergo rigorous safety evaluations and clinical trials. The findings from the recent study could further strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for such claims. Moreover, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate chelate into probiotic formulations could enhance their effectiveness, as calcium plays a crucial role in supporting immune health. This integration of calcium citrate chelate into probiotic products may become a common practice as the industry evolves, further emphasizing the potential health benefits associated with probiotics and their role in immune system support.